Report: Boston Red Sox and Miami Marlins Discussing Potential Blockbuster

Well, this rumor seemingly came out of nowhere.

Bob Nightengale of USA Today reports that the Boston Red Sox and Miami Marlins are discussing a trade that would send Hanley Ramirez and Heath Bell to Boston in exchange for Carl Crawford and a prospect.

The Marlins allegedly approached the Sox about this deal.

The players involved in the deal make a combined $239 million, potentially making the trade the second richest swap in major league history.

The 2004 trade that sent Alex Rodriguez to the New York Yankees in exchange for Alfonso Soriano totaled a whopping $257 million.

While the Red Sox insist they are not shopping Crawford, Marlins vice president Dan Jennings is in Boston scouting him.

If the Marlins choose to deal Hanley, it would all but signal the end to their playoff hopes for 2012. At 44-46, there's still a small chance that they make a run and qualify for the postseason.

The Marlins trail the NL East-leading Washington Nationals by nine games and the Atlanta Braves by 5.5 games for the second Wild Card spot.

Such a trade would instantly change the landscape of the AL East. The once struggling Red Sox would potentially possess the most potent lineup in the division, and possibly the entire league.

We'll have to see if this trade picks up any steam, but for now it's an interesting rumor to think about.